Perhaps you’ve heard of an item on our November 2017 ballot regarding the Troy City Charter. The measure asks residents to alter the Charter to require a vote of the electorate anytime a city parcel of two acres or more is to be used, leased, or sold. This was purportedly initiated as a way to protest the development of the Civic Center campus.

However, an approval of this measure would have far-reaching consequences that would affect multiple organizations and services within the City of Troy. The Friends of the Troy Public Library are among them. As you know, the Friends use portions of the Troy Public Library for our Book Shop and our lobby Friends Shop. Because the Library sits on a City parcel of more than two acres, and we are housed within, we fall under the rule of the ballot language.

Thus, if this measure passes, we would need to gain approval from residents of the city on a general election ballot to continue running our operations. Should our agreement expire before an election is scheduled, we would be required to immediately cease operations and wait until after approval on a ballot to continue.

There are over 200 similar contracts and agreements in the City that would be under the same requirements, and each face similar damaging consequences. In our case, passage of this measure would have a devastating effect on our ability to raise funds to support the programs of the Library. We would also likely lose many of our dedicated volunteers. Effectively, our work would come to a standstill.

To provide you knowledge with which to make a decision at the ballot box, we are holding an informational session on Sunday, October 15, 2017, from 2-4PM, in the Meeting Room of TPL. Doug Tietz, Oakland County Commissioner and former Troy City Councilman, will join us to offer insight and to answer your questions. Mr. Tietz was instrumental in creating the TPL Endowment Fund and is spearheading the “Vote NO” campaign.

We have worked tirelessly to preserve our beloved Library and to maintain the legacy of the Friends. Please consider attending and supporting the continued security of these precious institutions.

Join the Friends for an exclusive Members OnlyMeet and Greet with Chris Bohjalian, New York Times bestselling author of over nineteen novels. A master of literary suspense, Mr. Bohjalian weaves stories that explore contemporary social issues and the ways they play out in the lives of ordinary people. His book titles include Midwives,The Night Strangers, and his latest, The Sleepwalkers.

Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to meet and speak with him in a small group setting on the evening of October 17, 2017. Be sure to also pre-register with the Troy Public Library for his 7PM speaking engagement and book signing with the general public.

Not a member? Join us! Please visit our website at http://www.friendstpl.org/members or pick up a membership application from the Friends Shop located across from the circulation desk.

Don’t miss out! You may bring your membership application on the evening of the presentation.

Perhaps you’ve heard about the Troy Public Library Endowment Fund (http://troypl.org/endowment/) created for the benefit of the Troy Public Library. Over the last year, nearly $60,000 has been raised to support the future of the Library and its operations. This money has come from public and private donors in the local community and beyond.

The Friends have been raising money for over fifty years to promote and support the TPL as well. Our money comes from sales in our shops, membership dues, donations, bequests, and grants. In fact, the Friends were the impetus for first having a library in Troy! With one small book drive and sale in the 1960’s, the dedicated group of volunteers donated seed money to begin the collection.

Join us for an exclusive Friends Members Only Meet and Greet with Elizabeth Berg, New York Times bestselling author, prior to her general presentation to the Troy community. You’ll have the opportunity to engage her in a small-group setting before her speaking engagement and book signing. Learn more about Ms. Berg at her website: www.elizabeth-berg.netContinue reading “Friends Member Exclusive!”→

Months in the making, hours of work and testing, and it’s finally time to welcome you to our new site!

Take a few moments and check it all out. Learn something new about the Friends, explore our Blog posts, and try all the menus. If you like what you see, we’re happy! If something isn’t working well, or if you have a suggestion for future content, let us know. We love to hear from our Friends, and we’re happy you’re here!

Our Outreach program is a core part of our operations. Each week, boxes of books are packed and donated to several civic, charities, schools, shelters, or veterans/hospital groups. Some of the places we’ve supported include:

The Veterans Affairs hospitals

Local elementary, middle, and high schools and teachers

Haven House and Gilda’s Club

Troy Community Center

District Court Jury Waiting room

Gleaners Food Banks

Salvation Army

CareNet Pregnancy Centers

Encore Upscale Resale in support of local Christian schools

If you know of a local charity that would accept our donated materials, please contact us at friendstpl@gmail.com.

The Friends of the Troy Public Library are partners in a program through Amazon. It’s called Amazon Smile, and a portion of every sale completed through that program comes right back to us. Even better, once you set up your account to benefit the Friends, you never have to do anything again – it will automatically route your purchases through the Smile program! Here’s how it works: